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The Hugh Wynter Institute for Reproductive Healthcare and Endoscopic Surgery (HWI-RHES) hosted an insightful Roundtable Talk on Tuesday, September 17, titled ‘Sustainable Replacement Population: Protecting Your Fertility’ at The UWI Regional Headquarters.

The event aimed to address the alarming decline in Jamaica’s birth rate, as highlighted in the recent Jamaica Population Health Status Report, which revealed a drop in the crude birth rate from 21.7 per 1,000 in 2000 to just 11.4 per 1,000 in 2022.

Dr John Harriott, Director of HWI-RHES, opened the session with a compelling welcome, underscoring the urgency of the discussion. He emphasised that the roundtable served as a vital platform for examining Jamaica’s reproductive health scape and strategising towards a sustainable population.

“With fewer children being born, we must confront the fertility issues at the heart of this decline,” he stated.

Following Dr Harriott’s introduction, Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, extended greetings, igniting a collaborative spirit among the diverse group of experts present.

The Big Discussion

Moderated by Dionne Jackson Miller, the panel featured a range of distinguished speakers, including Permanent Secretary Dunstan Bryan, former Permanent Secretary Reginald Budhan, Professor Affette McCaw-Binns, Dr Loxley Christie, Professor Karen Carpenter, Easton Williams, attorney Khadine Wilkinson, and Dr Garth McDonald.

Key points of discussion included the urgent need for comprehensive health insurance coverage for fertility issues, timely diagnosis and treatment, and early education on fertility for all genders. Participants stressed the importance of quality healthcare access for girls, workplace childcare policies, and the promotion of stable family structures. Furthermore, they called for enhanced government support for childcare services and proactive measures to prevent infertility.

Khadine Wilkinson highlighted the pivotal role of fathers in family dynamics, asserting, “A mother can’t father a child. Our boys and girls need fathers, and men must step up.” She noted that the reluctance of some women to become single parents contributes to declining birth rates.

The Cost of Treatment

One significant topic was the financial burden of fertility treatments, such as In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), which can cost upwards of USD 12,500 (approximately JMD 1,975,000). This high cost makes these options unattainable for many Jamaicans seeking to start families. The panel agreed on the necessity of insurance coverage for fertility treatments and testing for reversible infertility issues to alleviate financial strains.

Addressing the Stigma

The conversation also turned to the stigma surrounding fertility issues, particularly among men, who often shy away from seeking diagnoses. “We need families so that women feel secure in having children with partners who will stay,” Dr Harriott said, urging policymakers to engage with insurance providers to foster collective responsibility in addressing these challenges.

During a robust Q&A session, one attendee shared her eight-year journey with infertility, detailing how societal shame delayed her decision to seek professional help. After receiving treatment at HWI-RHES, she joyfully announced that she is now expecting twins.

“Everyone who wishes to have a child should receive the care they need,” Dr Harriott declared.

The panellists highlighted the importance of educating the public about fertility issues and advocating for early diagnosis in both men and women. It is essential for all genders to understand the steps they can take to enhance their chances of conception.

Buddan, Carpenter, and Christie agreed that a big problem in Jamaica was men who do not believe they could be the ones with fertility issues—a whopping 50 per cent of cases presented at HWI-RHES.

Women, in particular, were urged to consider the implications of waiting too long to conceive, as fertility tends to decline significantly after the age of thirty-five. The message was clear: proactive awareness and timely action can make a substantial difference in reproductive health outcomes.

Concluding on a Note of Hope

The event concluded with a feel-good performance by local artiste Joshua Page, providing a fitting end to a day dedicated to hope and solutions.

The Roundtable Talk reinforced the pressing need for collaboration among medical professionals, educators, and policymakers to combat Jamaica’s declining birth rates and secure the fertility of future generations.